Schoolchildren help to strengthen ecosystems in North Sea with release of 700 juvenile lobsters

Whitby Lobster Hatchery was joined by representatives from Dogger Bank Wind Farm, who talked to the children about how they’re working collaboratively with other users of the North Sea, to help marine life to flourish. Aiming to release 100,000 juvenile lobsters back into the sea, the team at Whitby Lobster Hatchery is committed to ensuring the seas are sustainable and rich in diversity for years to come.

Operating under the charity name of North Sea Conservation, the team has ambitions to provide the best opportunity for the coastline to remain healthy and productive. Working alongside its potting fleet which boasts the 3rd largest catches in Europe, the fishing community bring ‘berried’ egg bearing female lobsters into the hatchery.

When the eggs hatch the hatchery team then provides everything the tiny lobster larvae need to give them the best chance to survive. After around 8 weeks of care in the hatchery the juvenile lobsters are released back into the sea.

The Marine Discovery Centre (on Whitby’s Peir Road), aims to provide a unique visitor experience, showcasing native marine biodiversity and providing a great opportunity for young and old to learn about fisheries, marine wildlife and the work of the Whitby Lobster Hatchery. 

Whitby Lobster Hatchery General Manager, Joe Redfern, said:

“It was a fantastic day, we really enjoyed giving these young people the chance to release juvenile lobsters. They really seemed to enjoy it and hopefully they mad some lasting memories.”

“We are extremely grateful for the generous support we receive from Dogger Bank Farm, we really wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them.”

Pupils from Brockholes C of E school, said:

“We had an amazing experience releasing our new friends into the sea. “It was great to know that we have helped support a species for years to come!”

Dogger Bank Wind Farm is currently in construction 80 miles from the Yorkshire Coast, and is being developed by SSE Renewables, Equinor and Vårgrønn. It’s the world's largest offshore wind farm in construction and once complete, will generate enough renewable energy for approximately 6 million UK homes.

The wind farm has supported the lobster hatchery since its initial launch, and has continued its support for the charity with contributions to both the hatchery and the marine discovery centre.

Rachel Lawrence, Community Engagement Manager for Dogger Bank Wind Farm, said:

"It was a great privilege for us to be part of this release of juvenile lobsters, and wonderful for the children to be able to enhance the marine environment during their school residential. Working in harmony with nature and coastal communities is vital to the success of our world-leading renewable energy project, which is set to power 6 million UK homes by 2027. Dogger Bank Wind Farm is a proud supporter of Whitby Lobster Hatchery, and its vital conservation, education and research activities on the Yorkshire coast.”

Image caption: Schoolchildren from West Yorkshire helped to improve marine ecosystems in the North Sea, by releasing juvenile lobsters during their school residential trip to Whitby.